News – GrapevineLIVEhttp://www.grapevinelive.co.uk
East Anglia's Essential LIVE Entertainment GuideTue, 18 Dec 2018 14:04:32 +0000en-GBhourly1http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/cropped-WSA-512x512-G-32x32.pngNews – GrapevineLIVEhttp://www.grapevinelive.co.uk
3232Dame Nanny Fanny Gives Blood!http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/12/16/dame-nanny-fanny-gives-blood/
Sun, 16 Dec 2018 10:00:16 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=115590Actor Chris Clarkson (Nanny Fanny) visited the Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds in the run up to Christmas in order to do something amazing – give blood. Not only that, but in a bid to further promote the importance of giving blood, he went in his full costume to give the team running the donations […]]]>

Actor Chris Clarkson (Nanny Fanny) visited the Athenaeum in Bury St Edmunds in the run up to Christmas in order to do something amazing – give blood. Not only that, but in a bid to further promote the importance of giving blood, he went in his full costume to give the team running the donations a boost.

This was Chris’ second year running that he has donated blood in his Theatre Royal pantomime costume, and it was also his 78th donation in total! His blood type is A+ which roughly 1 in 3 people have so his donations are always very welcome and he has been making donations since he was 18. Chris said “When I was a kid I used to go with my mum when she donated blood so I think I’ve always known how important a thing it is to do. The fact that I could donate in full costume was a bonus as hopefully it will help raise awareness around Suffolk. It proves that even with a panto schedule of 12 shows a week you’re never too busy to try and help save lives!”

It’s just as important as ever to donate blood so people in Suffolk are being asked to be part of an amazing group of people who save lives. NHS Blood and Transplant needs around 200,000 new donors every year to maintain the supply for life-saving blood donations. Ian, one of the nurses from the team in Bury St Edmunds said that in particular they would be very grateful to receive blood donations from people with blood type AB and black/ethnic minority donors.

It’s quick and easy to register to become a blood donor. Visit www.blood.co.uk or download the app by searching ‘NHSGiveBlood’ in the app store. You can also call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23. Last year over 1600 people in Suffolk registered to give blood for the first time – will you join them along with Chris to help save lives?

Catch Chris as delightful Dame Nanny Fanny in Sleeping Beauty until Sun 13 Jan, tickets are available from the Box Office on 01284 769505 or www.theatreroyal.org (you can also follow Chris on twitter and Instagram – @MrChrisClarkson)

]]>Stephen K Amoshttp://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/12/11/stephen-k-amos/
Tue, 11 Dec 2018 13:00:03 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=115429Highly acclaimed, uplifting stand-up comedian and broadcaster Stephen K Amos is back from his world tour and hits the road with his brand-new tour Bouquets and Brickbats. His main aim is to cheer us up, for a moment, and try to help us forget what a mess the world finds itself in right now. Bouquets and Brickbats. Praise […]]]>

Highly acclaimed, uplifting stand-up comedian and broadcaster Stephen K Amos is back from his world tour and hits the road with his brand-new tour Bouquets and Brickbats. His main aim is to cheer us up, for a moment, and try to help us forget what a mess the world finds itself in right now.

Bouquets and Brickbats. Praise and criticism. Love and hate. Why such extremes? Everyone these days seems to be an expert, a critic, a judge. Or a victim. Are we a nation of snowflakes with an unwarranted sense of entitlement, unable to process opposing opinions.?

Do people really understand what they feel so strongly about, and does knowledge promote more neutral feelings? Why is everybody either mortally offended or so much a fan that they fail to see the faults?

Two years after Brexit and Britain is more divided than ever. Forget everything that’s going on in the world, and immerse yourself in the warming comedy of “one of the most likable figures in British Comedy” (Radio Times).

As seen on Pointless Celebrities, QI, The People’s History of LGBT (BBC), UKTV’s Celebrity Storage Hunters and Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled, and BBC1’s Live At The Apollo and Have I Got News For You, as well as What Does The K Stand For? on BBC Radio 4. The Stephen K Amos Talk Show, in which Stephen invited popular stand-ups to chinwag about this, that and the other, was filmed at last year’s Edinburgh Festival and is now available on Amazon’s Audible.

Stephen is also taking part in the new three-part series Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome, alongside Katy Brand and Les Dennis. The BBC Two series, which will air soon, sees celebrities give up their creature comforts to follow the Via Francigena trail – to finish up at the Vatican.

]]>New Artistic Director of HighTidehttp://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/12/09/new-artistic-director-of-hightide/
Sun, 09 Dec 2018 10:00:20 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=115238The trustees of HighTide are delighted to announce today that they have appointed Suba Das, currently Associate Director of the Curve, Leicester, as the next artistic director of HighTide. Based in East Anglia, HighTide works across the UK to find, nurture and showcase the country’s best new playwrights and plays. Suba leads Curve’s Artist Development programmes, […]]]>

The trustees of HighTide are delighted to announce today that they have appointed Suba Das, currently Associate Director of the Curve, Leicester, as the next artistic director of HighTide.

Based in East Anglia, HighTide works across the UK to find, nurture and showcase the country’s best new playwrights and plays.

Suba leads Curve’s Artist Development programmes, overseeing the commissioning and development of new work by artists from across the region. Curve’s Inside Out Festival, established by Das in 2014, has seen over 20 world premieres reaching over 30,000 attenders and touring work to 100 cities and towns worldwide. Born and brought up in the North East, Suba is a trustee of the North Music Trust, which operates Sage Gateshead.

After reading English at Cambridge, he began his career as Resident Assistant Director at Theatre Royal Stratford East, with productions including a site-specific production of Medea using his own translation, with choreography by Kenrick Sandy of the Olivier Award-winning street dance company Boy Blue Entertainment. In 2008, he became Resident Director at the National Theatre Studio and English Touring Theatre under Purni Morrell and Steve Unwin. In 2010, he co-founded Custom/Practice, staging Off West End Award-nominated site-specific productions across London of Othello, The Winter’s Tale and The Revenger’s Tragedy in collaboration with the Old Vic Tunnels and Hoxton Hall. In 2012, he was appointed Associate Director at Curve.

Directing credits at Curve include the world premieres of Wipers by Ishy Din and Pink Sari Revolution by Purva Naresh, and new productions of Abigail’s Party and The Cat In The Hat with Rose Theatre Kingston and the National Centre for Circus Arts.

In 2017, Das made his opera debut directing the world premiere of Sukanya for the Royal Opera in co-production with Curve and the London Philharmonic, receiving a WhatsOnStage Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist in UK Opera.

Das has also directed for venues including Northern Stage, Nottingham Playhouse, the Young Vic and the Roundhouse, and taught and lectured at Cambridge and East 15, Mountview and Oxford drama schools.

Tim Clark, Chair of the HighTide Board said: All of us at HighTide are delighted that Suba has agreed to be our next Artistic Director.

We set out to find an outstanding and talented individual who would lead HighTide with passion, imagination, integrity and with a commitment to its mission, objectives and values. Suba’s approach to theatre and his tremendous achievements, particularly in the area of new writing, show that he completely meets this objective. He will be an inspiring leader, building on the huge successes achieved by Steven Atkinson at HighTide, and will continue to enhance the place that HighTide has earned in developing UK theatre over the last 12 years. With huge thanks to Steven for all his achievements, we now look forward to working with Suba to embrace our exciting future continuing to bring new work to diverse audiences in areas of low cultural engagement.

Suba Das said: What a privilege to take on the HighTide mantle. Over the past twelve years, HighTide has created the most stunning theatre and festival experiences across the UK. I’m grateful to Steven, the Board and team, and extraordinary supporters including Lansons, the Backstage Trust and Arts Council England for creating the conditions in which our country’s very best writers have been able to emerge, dream and astonish.

I’m also thankful to the audiences of East Anglia and Suffolk, who have shown such appetite and excitement for bold new work by diverse voices, supporting so many artists to thrive. With a new festival now planned for Lowestoft, I look forward to deepening our commitment to the East as our home first and foremost. A place where we sit at the edge of the country, looking back at the whole of a shifting UK; and out at a changing Europe. I can’t wait to meet the writers and makers of the East especially and see how we might together tell the region’s stories with pride for each other and for communities all over the world. As HighTide becomes a teenager, we’ll be even more rebellious, passionate, and playful. It’s going to be an adventure!

Suba replaces Steven Atkinson, who co-founded HighTide and has been Artistic Director of the organisation for the last 12 years.

From Brexit cabaret to national icon Ian McKellen, the Playhouse is delighted to present a new season of fantastic theatre, dance, music, comedy and cabaret. Running from January to May, this new brochure includes more than 60 individual shows, some with a number of performances.

2019 opens with Jonny Woo’s All Star Brexit Cabaret (Sat 12 Jan), an uproarious drag musical inspired by the business of Brexit, which was a 2018 Edinburgh Fringe hit. Packed full of hijinks and unforgettable songs, this show is sure to start 2019 off with high-kicks and hits. Also in January, and in drag, is Rocky Shock Horror (Sat 26 Jan), a mash-up of Rocky (Horror) and Rocky (Boxing).

Rambert2 (Thur 31 Jan & Fri 1 Feb) brings spiky, sassy and fierce new dance to the Playhouse – this troupe is made up of early career dancers from the iconic company and showcases the wealth of talent in choreography and movement. The acclaimed Ballet Central (Thur 2 May) will also present a brand new programme with their best young dancers, featuring a mixed bill of more traditional movement.

As always, there are plenty of brilliant family shows coming to the Playhouse, perfect for early trips to the theatre. Adapted from Michael Morpurgo’s gorgeous novel Mimi and the Mountain Dragon (Sat 16 Feb) uses puppetry to create a magical musical adventure about courage and friendship, whilst Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show (Sat 23 & Sun 24 Feb) takes our favourite patchwork pachyderm from the page to the stage.

Another picture book classic returns with We’re Going On a Bear Hunt (Tue 19– Sun 24 Mar), a much loved and mischievous production, which is fabulous family fun. Later in the year, we move from swishy-swashy grass to shimmery-shiny bubbles with The Amazing Bubble Man (Sat 13 Apr), who will astound with square, tornado and rocket bubbles.

For the older children, The Mystery of the Raddlesham Mumps (Sat 27 Apr) is a gothic tale of poetry and eccentricity, in the vein of A Series of Unfortunate Events, created by Murray Lachlan Young. Honk! (Sat 4 & Sun 5 May) imagines Hans Christian Andersen’s Ugly Duckling into an Olivier Award winning musical egg-stravaganza.

Spectacular theatre for adults also abounds: Unmythable (Sat 9 Feb) combines all the Greek myths with an all-female cast into one unmissable show, Dad’s Army Radio Show (Thu 21 Feb) features two talented actors playing 25 characters from the quintessential sitcom. Radio 4 favourite Miles Jupp plays David Tomlinson: Mr Banks in Mary Poppins, Professor Emilius Brown in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, in The Life I Lead (Fri 1 –Sat 2 Mar). Orlando (Wed 6 Mar) takes Virginia Woolf’s classic gender-shifting adventure and sets it on stage, whilst The Paper Cinema’s Macbeth (Tue 12 Mar) uses illustration, puppetry and a live score to present Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before.

Viral sensation Rachel Parris (Wed 20 Mar) plays pretend, Ivo Graham (Wed 27 Mar) holds onto his crown as politest man in comedy, Kieran Hodgson (Tue 9 Apr) presents the surprising tale of how Britain joined Europe and Tom Stade (Thu 11 Apr) carries on where he left off in his new show. Britain’s Got Talent stars Micky P Kerr (Sat 13 Apr) and Lost Voice Guy (Mon 29 & Tue 30 Apr) also join us in Norwich, as well as Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Adam Riches (Fri 3 May) brings a unique show of off the wall absurdity and Shappi Khorsandi (Wed 8 & Thu 9 May) is back from the jungle, and in her element.

Acclaimed classical guitarist Eduardo Niebla (Fri 15 Mar) will perform in two concerts, with one designed to enchant aspiring musicians. The Playhouse also welcomes two stunning poets, with local boy Luke Wright (Sat 30 Mar) vying to become Poet Laureate in his new show, and Murray Lachlan Young (Sat 27 Apr) celebrating the zeitgeist in satire. The Welsh National Opera play in Norwich for the first time in almost fifty years, bringing Don Pasquale (Thu 20 & Sat 22 Jun).

To view the full line-up of Spring shows, visit norwichplayhouse.co.uk or pick up a brochure from the venue. To book, visit the Playhouse website or call 01603 598598.

]]>Changing Times…http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/12/04/changing-times/
Tue, 04 Dec 2018 15:33:40 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=115297“The Times They Are A Changin’” sang one Robert Allen Zimmerman back in the 60s. In truth, the one constant in life is change – things happen and we adapt, little things that might go unnoticed until we suddenly notice that the sum of all those minor changes has resulted in something we didn’t ever […]]]>

“The Times They Are A Changin’” sang one Robert Allen Zimmerman back in the 60s. In truth, the one constant in life is change – things happen and we adapt, little things that might go unnoticed until we suddenly notice that the sum of all those minor changes has resulted in something we didn’t ever think would ever happen.

In 2019 there will be a few minor changes here at Grapevine Magazine and online at GrapevineLIVE.co.uk – but don’t panic, the magazine will still be free, there will still be a free listings service online.

When Grapevine Magazine was originally set up, the objective was to promote live music in Ipswich. Over the course of twenty-seven years that has expanded to the magazine promoting live entertainment across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Each month around 1,000 live events are squeezed into the A5 publication, making it fit can often be a struggle. In 2019 Grapevine will focus on its core aims and promote LIVE entertainment.

Grapevine will no longer list, either online or in the printed magazine, DJ sets, Karaoke, Quiz Nights or Charity Sales or Community Events. We have never promoted Film, Exhibitions or Art installations so no change there.

Grapevine will re-focus on LIVE entertainment: singer songwriters, bands, theatre, musicals, spoken word, comedy and performance dance. In terms of musical genres there are no limits – all forms of LIVE music including Classical and Choral Music as well as Rock, Pop, Blues, Jazz and Folk will be featured.

There will be exceptions – all of Grapevine’s advertisers’ events will be included because without our loyal advertisers we would not be able to produce a magazine or a website.

Grapevine has nothing against the items we will not list, the commercial reality of our business model means that we must focus on our core value: promoting LIVE entertainment.

On that point – Grapevine want to re-emphasise local musicians. The BBC Introducing feature last year expanded from just Suffolk to include Norfolk, it is hoped to include the other counties soon. Keep an eye out for the Grapevine Spotify playlist featuring musicians from the region. Tell the editorial team about your LP and EP launches or releases. Since 2015 it has been our policy to feature local musicians on our covers – submit your hi-res promo shots for consideration. The Grapevine team love to review live gigs but with a very small team they cannot be everywhere – they do plan their gig coverage two or three months in advance, that’s the sort of notice the team needs.

]]>The Lock In Christmas Carolhttp://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/12/03/the-lock-in-christmas-carol-3/
Mon, 03 Dec 2018 11:00:04 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=115165Time Gentlemen Please – here’s a Lock In with a difference! It’s Christmas Eve and the regulars of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks are excited about the night ahead, it’s going to be the Folk & Hip Hop party of the year… To their dismay the landlady, Jasmineezer Scrooge, has more profitable ambitions and is preparing […]]]>

Time Gentlemen Please – here’s a Lock In with a difference!

It’s Christmas Eve and the regulars of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks are excited about the night ahead, it’s going to be the Folk & Hip Hop party of the year…

To their dismay the landlady, Jasmineezer Scrooge, has more profitable ambitions and is preparing to launch her new business, the ‘Oompah Techno Bar’! Cheap alco-pops, seedy lighting and mind-numbing beats are in danger of alienating the local community and ruining Christmas! Fortunately, some insightful souls are at hand to lead her back to her senses…

The Lock In Christmas Carol sees folk band The Demon Barbers and artists from Breaking Tradition Dance Company bringing traditional and contemporary dance together in a ‘slightly unhinged’ seasonal family show, which is “guaranteed to raise weary spirits and send an audience home smiling” (The Telegraph).

Fast-paced and innovative, The Lock In does for English folk dance what Riverdance did for Irish dance, and Diversity did for street dance. This exciting and dynamic show features the UK’s top clog, sword and Morris dancers and their counterparts from the worlds of B-boying, popping & krump. Meanwhile house band The Demon Barbers take English Folk music on a new journey with Hip Hop, House and Funk, and even says hello to Burlesque along the way!

“A full-on show of such blazing energy and joyous ingenuity you scarcely ponder on the apparent madness of trying to marry folk dance and hip hop” (The Independent).

Artistic director Damien Barber says; “The response has been phenomenal from both folkies and street dance fans. All our dancers have also taken the opportunity to learn from each other and have been amazed by the similarities and shared experiences they found in the two – seemingly very different – dance styles”.

The skill and athleticism of the dancers, and the excellent musicianship of the band, come together in a joyful show that will fill you full of Christmas cheer!

The Lock In ‘Christmas Carol’ isat The Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Monday 10 December at 7.30pm. Tickets are £19, ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see the website www.theapex.co.uk for details.

]]>Chelmsford Theatre Spring 2019http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/11/30/chelmsford-theatre-spring-2019/
Fri, 30 Nov 2018 14:00:00 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=115072The new season springs into life at the Civic Theatre and Cramphorn Studio.]]>

Chelmsford City Theatres has just announced the new Spring 2019 season and it contains a sensational selection of drama, music, comedy, and more at the Civic Theatre and Cramphorn Studio. From World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst, to TV historian Dan Snow, Dr Feelgood to Al Murray, there will be something for everyone this coming spring.

Dramatic highlights include the rock musical ‘Freak Show‘, which is set in a circus full of magic and mayhem. The production is full of colour, enchantment and great songs. Catch ‘Freak Show’ from Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 March. The ever-popular Dyad Productions return to the Cramphorn with their latest offering, ‘Orlando‘ on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 March. The play is based on the Virginia Woolf novel and explores gender and human identity. ‘Rouse, Ye Women‘ is a folk opera that tells the story of the British women chain makers in 1910, who laid down their tools and striked for a living wage. ‘Rouse, Ye Women’ is at Cramphorn on Thursday 4 April. Lovers of thrillers will be fascinated by ‘Where Is Mrs Christie?‘, which is based on the real-life disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926. Her crashed car was found in Surrey, she was missing for 11 days and was finally found in a hotel in Harrogate, Agatha claimed amnesia, but nobody believed her. Draw your own conclusions on Thursday 18 April.

There are some great music acts appearing during the new season. The Illegal Eagles are the world’s No.1 Eagles tribute act and they are landing on the Civic’s stage on Saturday 12 January. The spectacular ‘Sinatra, Sequins and Swing‘ celebrates Frank Sinatra’s Capitol Records years, when he recorded some of his most cherished songs. Get ‘Nice ‘n’ Easy’ with Old Blue Eyes on Sunday 3 February. Buddy Holly and The Cricketers play homage to the incredible songs of Buddy Holly on Saturday 16 February. Folk legends Peter Knight and John Spiers bring their new exciting collaboration to the Cramphorn on Thursday 21 February. Jazz lovers will not want to miss The Ronnie Scott’s Story which comes direct from the famous Soho venue on Friday 22 February. Dr Feelgood bring their Essex Delta R’n’B sounds direct from Canvey Island to the Civic’s stage on Friday 19 April, whilst Seven Drunken Nights make a welcome return on Tuesday 23 April when they perform the very best of The Dubliners. The M&G Classical Concert Series begins in February and has some great performances lined up including Mozart, Beethoven and Purcell.

The theatre has some big names lined up for a special series of talks. Railway enthusiast and former politician Michael Portillo arrives at the Civic on Friday 11 January, to talk about his varied career. Famed mountain biker and pioneer of freeriding, Hans Rey, will take the audience through an exhilarating adventure on Monday 4 February. Dr Michael Mosely explodes common health myths and gives fascinating insights into the human body on Thursday 7 February. World Cup hero, Sir Geoff Hurst, will be talking about his career as a West Ham and England player on Wednesday 13 March. Historian Dan Snow comes to Chelmsford on Thursday 28 March with a fistful of historical facts about the city, as well as sharing stories from his career as a historian.

There’s also a bunch of top comedians visiting Chelmsford this Spring. Carl Hutchinson will be bringing his unique adolescent approach to grown up issues in his show ‘I Know I Shouldn’t Behave Like This’ at the Cramphorn on Thursday 28 February. Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Robert White, is the country’s only gay, aspergic, quarter Welsh comedian, and will be at the Civic Theatre on Saturday 27 April. Tickets for Al Murray have already sold-out which proves you have to be quick to snap up comedy tickets in Chelmsford!

Families are well provided for with several family favourite shows being staged. Pop Divas Live! perform the songs of Little Mix, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and more on Thursday 21 February. Direct from the West End is the delightful The Tiger Who Came To Tea, on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 April. The awe-inspiring Dinosaur World Live has wowed audiences all over the UK, and returns to the Civic on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 April. The evergreen Alice in Wonderland is filled with songs and humour in a magical production that comes to the Civic on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 April. New for 2019 are the Jibber Jabber theatre club for pre-school kids. The free sessions will run each Monday starting from 7 January.

These are just a few of the highlights of the new season. To keep updated on new events as they are booked, subscribe to the theatres mailing list at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres, and to book also visit the site or call 01245 606505.

]]>Hazel O’Connorhttp://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/11/29/hazel-oconnor-2/
Thu, 29 Nov 2018 10:00:42 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=115070A very special evening with the award-winning singer songwriter Hazel O’Connor, featuring a rare screening of the digitally re-mastered, uncut version of the film, followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance of some of the film’s best-loved songs. Hazel O’Connor became an overnight sensation after her BAFTA nominated portrayal of Kate in the 1980 […]]]>

A very special evening with the award-winning singer songwriter Hazel O’Connor, featuring a rare screening of the digitally re-mastered, uncut version of the film, followed by an intimate Q&A and live performance of some of the film’s best-loved songs.

Hazel O’Connor became an overnight sensation after her BAFTA nominated portrayal of Kate in the 1980 hit film Breaking Glass. The film depicts the rise of an angry but creative young rock singer; however fame, and its accompanying loss of artistic control, isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. Further distress caused by crowd violence, accusations of selling out and drug abuse, leads Kate to have a nervous breakdown.

Hazel not only made the lead role her own, she also wrote all the songs in the film, the first time in history, that a soundtrack was composed, written and performed by a woman. The album ‘Breaking Glass’ went double-platinum during its 38 week chart run, defining Hazel O’Connor as a powerful passionate performer and a force to be reckoned with.

However, in a case of art mirroring life, Hazel soon discovered the incredibly powerful control that record companies could hold over their artists. She explains, “I was paid a pound to sign to my record company. It was ridiculous. I was so happy that somebody wanted me! The day before I was told I was getting the lead part in Breaking Glass the record company told me nobody else wanted to sign me, and so I signed a very long contract. The label, who also had my publishing, leased me out to make the film. I finally ended up having to go to court because there was nothing coming in for me. I was in debt when I shouldn’t have been, because there was a lot of money that rolled in.”

However, those bad times were short-lived and, while A&M records has had its own share of crises, Hazel has remained a well-respected artist. You can find out more about Hazel, the perils of fame, and the joys of artistic freedom in the show’s Q&A session.

Unforgettable songs from the film include ‘Eighth Day’, ‘Will You’, ‘Big Brother’, ‘Decadent Days’, ‘Give Me An Inch’ and ‘Writing On The Wall’. These and more will be performed live by Hazel and her band: Clare Hirst (Bellestars, Communards, David Bowie) on sax, Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics) on keyboards and Josh Blackmore (Troyka, Strobes) on percussion

The show will be followed by a meet and greet.

Hazel O’Connor and Breaking Glass will be at The Apex on Wednesday 5 December at 7pm. Tickets are standing £26, contact the Box Office on 01284 758000 or see the website www.theapex.co.uk for more details or to book.

Mike ‘Squeaky’ McClean is delighted to be returning to Ipswich to perform his new stand-up show and appear in the Christmas pantomime. Mike will play ‘Muddles’ in Snow White and the Severn Dwarfs and then hopes you’ll join him back at the Regent for lots more laughs on 19th January to see his new comedy show Return of the Mac.

Many of you may be fans of Mike as a TV presenter and actor on THE BIG BREAKFAST, RICHARD & JUDY, THE OFFICE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL and MY MAD FAT DIARY. But it’s live comedy where he really excels.

“Promising a ruder, funnier version of Derren Brown, McClean was on top form. His brutal handling of the slew of latecomers had us in tears. While his mind-reading segments were genuinely impressive, it was the jokes people were talking about on the way out. A great night out”– Ipswich Star

Top night from a top man. Mike knows his audience and delivers a quick fire night. If you know him from panto then you’ve lots more to find out. Five star entertainment… unless you drive a black BMW!! – BBC Radio Derby

2018 has been an exciting year for Mike, with the release of his autobiography Oh! I Remember Him. “An enthralling, funny, heart-warming and self-deprecating read” with Richard Madeley kindly writing the foreword.

Oh! I Remember Him follows Mike’s early years growing up in one of Manchester’s roughest areas with Spanish and Irish parents and Dad regularly out of work, to presenting on two of TV’s most iconic shows. To rubbing shoulders (literally in the case of Britney Spears) with some of the biggest stars of the day and how pinching a bowl of jelly sweets, led to working with Ricky Gervais.

He will also have support from Gerry Kyei.

Mike McClean – Return of the Mac is at the Ipswich Regent on Saturday 19th January, 8pm. 18+. Tickets £17, available from the Box Office on 01473 433 100 or visit www.ipswichregent.com.

]]>Upcoming at the Spa Pavilionhttp://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/2018/11/20/upcoming-at-the-spa-pavilion/
Tue, 20 Nov 2018 10:00:26 +0000http://www.grapevinelive.co.uk/?p=114526No theatre would be worth its salt without an annual panto in December. Therefore the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe is opening its doors once again this month to the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company as they bring the story of Sleeping Beauty alive this Christmas. Families from all over Suffolk will be entertained and enthralled with […]]]>

No theatre would be worth its salt without an annual panto in December. Therefore the Spa Pavilion in Felixstowe is opening its doors once again this month to the Dennis Lowe Theatre Company as they bring the story of Sleeping Beauty alive this Christmas. Families from all over Suffolk will be entertained and enthralled with this all-new version of a classic tale of devilment and derring-do. Lashings of laughter, frantic frivolity, gorgeously glittering costumes, a spectacular set, and plenty of ‘he’s behind you,’ will make the 53rd Pantomime a memorable outing for everyone. To make it as affordable as possible, tickets are held at 2017 prices from just £11.50!

That’s not all for December, the month begins with Purple Zeppelin featured in the BBC TV documentary “The Joy of the Guitar Riff”, Purple Zeppelin are proud to pay tribute to the two greatest Rock Bands of all time, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin – together on the same bill for the very first time on Saturday 1st December from 7.30pm. Next up on Friday 7th December at 8pm its Jim Davidson with his ‘On The Road Again’ tour. Jim’s brand-new show promises to be the antidote to this ‘PC’ world we now live in. Guaranteed to be outrageous and as truthful as ever (over 18 strongly recommended).

Returning to The Spa by popular demand is ‘The Tina Turner Experience – Simply the Best’ on Saturday 8th from 7.30pm. This fully live and energetic show charts the life and career of Tina and includes her smash hits ‘Private Dancer’, ‘Nutbush City Limits’ and ‘Proud Mary’ to name just three. There is also a Christmas Party Meal package available with this show – call the Spa Lounge for more details.

To really get you in the mood for the festivities ‘The Big Band at Christmas’ swings into Felixstowe on Sunday 9th December from 3pm. ‘The Five Star Swing Big Band’ as featured by BBC’s Children in Need will be playing all of your favourite Christmas songs with a dynamic big band. One final fantastic theatrical production rounds of December before Cinderella and the cast takes the Spa through to the New Year. Saturday 15th December sees ‘Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story’ at 7.30pm. Paul Metcalf will be delivering an authentic and charismatic performance of Rod’s huge hits ‘Maggie May’, ‘Baby Jane’ and of course ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy’ to give you just a flavour. Christmas Party Meal package is also available with this show – call the Spa Lounge for more details.

A quick look into 2019 shows the Spa has plenty of top shows booked starting with a welcome return for Marshall King as ‘Elvis in Concert’ this will be his fourth year in a row and each time Marshall brings the house down with his jaw-dropping concert show and 12-piece live band.

The Spa’s Lounge Bar & Restaurant still has spaces for their special Christmas Party Nights –To find out more or to make a booking call 01394 336336.

Tickets for all theatre shows are available from the Spa Pavilion’s box office which is open from 11am – 4pm 01394 284962. You can also reserve your seats on line, 24 hours a day, at www.felixstowespa.co.uk Both of the bar restaurants are open every day from 9.30am to 5pm. Also, food is always served for two hours before every performance. You can follow the Spa Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news and show updates.